De vryery en 't trouwbedryf, / Van heer Jaquet [(...)] 1715 - 1813

This undated print by Erven weduwe Cornelis Stichter visualizes the courtship and marriage of Heer Jaquet and Nanett through a series of small scenes. Notice the recurring motif of the couple engaged in various domestic and social activities. Courtship is a dance of power, desire, and expectation. These visual motifs echo through centuries, resonating with archetypal narratives of love and union. Consider how such scenes appear in medieval tapestries or Renaissance paintings, each reflecting societal norms. Even today, these images of romantic pursuit and domestic life persist in popular culture. They act as a mirror reflecting our deepest desires and anxieties around love, partnership, and familial expectations. These visual echoes shape our understanding of love, subconsciously influencing our expectations of marriage. These images connect us to shared human experiences across time.